Hymnal and Order of Service ‎#298

298. I Have a Friend

1 I have a Friend so patient, kind, forbearing,
Of all my friends this Friend doth love me best;
Though I am weak and sinful, yet when sharing
His love and mercy I am ever blest.

2 He is my Lord, my Friend, yea, He’s my brother;
And Jesus Christ is His most blessèd Name.
He loves more tenderly than any mother;
To rest in Him is more than wealth and fame.

3 My poor and wretched soul He bought so dearly,
And freed from condemnation, death, and hell;
The old and bitter foe He crushed completely.
My soul, rejoice and sing, for all is well!

4 Thus I’m redeemed; no more the law prevaileth,
For Christ, the Lord, is my Redeemer’s Name;
His precious blood more than my sin availeth;
His merit covers all my guilt and shame.

5 With hallelujahs here I’d tell the story,
My Lord to praise, to laud and magnify;
And praise His Name for evermore in glory,
Before His throne with all the saints on high.

Amen.

Text Information

• First Line: I have a Friend so patient, kind, forbearing
• Title: I Have a Friend
• Author: Carl Olaf Rosenius, 1816-1868
• Meter: 11 10, 11 10. Iambic.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1901
• Topic: Sanctification

Tune Information

• Name: JAG HAR EN VÄN
• Meter: 11 10, 11 10. Iambic.
• Source: Swedish folk melody